The Early Doors Club, known for staging successful early evening live music events in Bolton and Wigan, has launched in Rochdale thanks to funding from GMCA's Culture Fund.
The historic St Chad’s Church in the town centre will be the venue for a series of shows following the installation of a stage along with professional sound and lighting equipment. Last month the venue hosted an introductory show featuring Liam Fender supported by Rebecca Spooner, and next up is Nigel Clark, frontman of Britpop favourites Dodgy on Friday, 23 October, supported by Grace Rose, a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Heywood.
Combining music, atmosphere and heritage, the historic St Chad’s Church in the town centre will now be the location for a series of live shows by The Early Doors Club.
Best known for hits like ‘Good Enough’, ‘Staying Out for the Summer’ and ‘If You're Thinking of Me’, Nigel's unmistakable voice and timeless songwriting made him one of the most enduring artists of the Britpop era. It will be an intimate performance in Rochdale filled with the warmth, humour and melody that define Dodgy's music, along with stories from a career that's seen him share stages with Oasis and Blur.
‘a beautiful venue’
The Early Doors Club is a grassroots live music initiative delivered by The Snug Coffee House, based in Atherton, Greater Manchester. St Chad’s Church in Rochdale joins a growing network of unique venues across Greater Manchester hosting shows. Event manager Ben Morgan from The Early Doors Club said:
"Rochdale is a key area for our expansion, building on the work of the local cultural team to bring more events and opportunities into areas where people live and work. Rochdale Development Agency's commitment to improving access to culture is why we want to be there and we're excited to help build something for the town.”
Since its 2023 debut The Early Doors Club has staged more than 160 events, attracted over 13,500 people and supported more than 250 artists. Nearly half of audiences have travelled from outside the host area, highlighting its role in boosting town centres and supporting local economies.
The project is designed to break down barriers to live music, with performances in cafés, churches, community halls and heritage spaces on the high street. Events start early and finish by 9pm, making them accessible for those using public transport and anyone who prefers earlier evenings.
Tickets are offered on a ‘pay what you can basis’, so price doesn’t prevent anyone from attending.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said:
“I’m pleased to see The Early Doors Club coming to Rochdale in such a beautiful venue. Live music has the power to bring people together, support our local economy and showcase the borough as a vibrant destination for culture and entertainment. These gigs will give residents the chance to enjoy fantastic professionally produced performances on their doorstep while also attracting visitors into the town centre. It's also great to see the investment in the church as well as Rochdale’s music scene and I look forward to seeing audiences come together to support these events.”
Karen Boardman, music development manager at Rochdale Development Agency, added:
"I’m really excited to be working with The Early Doors Club. To offer another paid opportunity to play live locally for our musicians is a key achievement and part of the wider plan for music growth here across Rochdale."
The expansion is part of wider plans to bring The Early Doors Club to more boroughs, supporting grassroots talent, revitalising town centres and bringing pride and opportunity to communities across Greater Manchester. Details of dates and line-ups for further Rochdale events will be revealed soon.
Grace Rose from Heywood will also be performing at The Early Doors Club at St Chad’s Church in Rochdale.
The Early Doors Club performance by Nigel Clark supported by Grace Rose is on Friday 23 October from 5pm–8pm at St Chad’s Church, Rochdale.